A physical education coach in Columbus, Ohio is reeling in shock after the Catholic school where she taught for 19 years fired her for being a lesbian.
Carla Hale, 57, of Powell, was given her marching orders at the end of last month days after her late mother's obituary in February detailed Ms Hale's relationship with a woman named Julie.
When a parent of one of the students noticed the announcement and complained to the school authorities, Ms Hale was promptly dismissed on the grounds that she had 'violated the school's 'moral policy.'
Saddened: Carla Hale, 57, worked at Bishop Watterson for 19 years but after her mother's obituary revealed her relationship with a woman named Jule, the school fired her for 'violating its moral codes'
Holding back tears, Ms Hale told NBC: 'Bishop Watterson is an amazing place to be. The staff, the environment...'
After such a long career at the school, she couldn't believe her ears when she was shown the obituary and told that her relationship did adhere to school's Diocesan policy.
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'I was totally shocked,' Hale told OpposingViews.com. 'I mean, I think it was just one of those where everything was drained out of me.'
Ms Hale, who admitted to always having kept her personal life private at work, was sent a letter detailing the Diocesan regulations.
Happier times: Ms Hale (top row, right) who kept her personal life private taught physical education for 19 years and called Watterson 'an amazing place to be'
Institution: A letter from the school (pictured) informed Ms Hale that staff at Watterson were expected to be 'examples of moral behavior and professionalism'
'In keeping with the moral values advanced by the teachings of Christ, the tenets of the Catholic Church, and the policies and regulations of the diocese and school, Catholic school personnel are expected to be examples of moral behavior and professionalism,' it reads.
The letter went on to say that: 'Your written spousal relationship violates the moral laws of the Catholic Church, this an COACE Agreement Article 20.3. As a result, your contract with Bishop Watterson High School is terminated effective Thursday March 28, 2013.'
In a cursory offer of compensation, Ms Hale has been offered letters of recommendation and an opportunity to retain her medical insurance for up to a year.
Pointing to the moral codes cited in the letter, Ms Hale noted: 'There probably honestly wouldn't be a lot of teachers working there then because if you go there then the church doesn't promote divorce, living with a heterosexual partner out of marriage, birth control...
Astonishment: Ms Hale and her attorneys are considering whether to sue the city of Columbus for the infringement of rights that are protected by a municipal ordinance passed in 2008
'If we really want to open up that door ... where do you start and finish if you're talking about immoral behavior within the Catholic Church?'
Though the firing took place at the end of March, a spotlight has been shone on the story thanks to a petition launched by students of the teacher on Change.org in her defense.
Signed by over 15,000 people so far, it asks that the diocese of Columbus 'reinstate faculty member Carla Hale and apologize for discriminating against her on the basis of sexuality.'
'I'm in awe of them,' Ms Hale gushed of her students. 'The continued support from the alums and the phone calls and emails that I'm receiving are just nothing but love and support.'
In the meantime, the teacher's attorneys are still debating whether to sue the city.
Though in Ohio professionals may be denied or excused from positions based on their sexuality, attorney Tom Tootle explains: 'We're fortunate in Columbus to have a municipal ordinance that was passed in 2008 that does protect people and there are no exceptions in that ordinance for religious institutions.'
Mr Tootle told the Columbus Dispatch however that he believes Ohio needs a federal law to protect people in situations such as Hale's. The lack of protection, he said, 'forces people into the closet.'